Lists
A list is a number of connected items or names written or printed consecutively, typically one below the other [1]. According to Brian Carroll in Writing for Digital Media, lists are another way that web users can emphasize certain important information or to help readers follow a particular sequence. Lists can help to divide the text and highlight key points in a blogs.
General Guidelines For Lists [2]
Bloggers must present all items consistently, including approximate length, structure, phrasing, spacing, indentation, punctuation, cap styles, and font. [3]
- Make each item in the list grammatically similar in order to enhance the aesthetic appeal for the intended audience.
- Ensure sentence structure, verb tense, and phrasing are consistent.
- Do not over-punctuate.
- A good general rule is to punctuate only with commas when the items in the list are not written in complete sentences; Use semi-colons if the items are complete sentences[4].
Why Lists Work
Muhammad Saleem writes that, "Simply put, lists work because they conform to the idea of Left-Brain Marketing. Everyone has two sides of the brain and each part controls a specific way of thinking. The left brain is analytical, and prefers a step-by-step approach (i.e. lists) while the right brain prefers to see the big picture first and then deal with the details later." [5] This type of thought process helps to create a successful blog with a higher rate of return readers.
The Order of Lists [6]
The sequence of the list is an important consideration when presenting the elements in the list. In some cases you may want to number the parts of the lists or use bullet points to present the information in a way that makes the sequence clear.
Things to avoid when using Lists [7]
- Avoid overusing lists.
- Too many lists take away from the impact that the list will have on the reader.
- Avoid using over six to eight items.
- Too many items on a list can cause the reader to lose interest. Think about sub-dividing longer lists and consolidating shorter ones.[8]
Examples of Lists
Bloggers can use many different types of lists but should ensure they are relevant to the blog. So, consider the content matter before attempting to list information. For example, if you want to formally highlight certain dates a blogger can use chronological numbered lists, such as:
- 1.) 01/01/2013
- 2.) 01/02/2013
- 3.) 01/03/2013
If a blogger wants to highlight some information informally, use a list that contains bullet points. Again, lists can be created in many different ways, but the key to creating a successful list is to make sure that the highlighted information is important enough to be displayed.